DeMarcus Walker Shows In 13 Seconds Why He's The Lunatic Chicago Needs

Following the end of the 2022 season, GM Ryan Poles and head coach Matt Eberflus recognized something about the defense. It lacked something: juice. While some intriguing young players were on the rebuilding unit, it was clear the group didn't quite have the intensity and hustle this regime looks for. That isn't entirely their fault. That off-season was spent gutting the defense of its leadership. When that happens, morale tends to suffer. So when year two began, Poles and Eberflus understood what the team needed. They needed "juice." Careful scouting by the front office found exactly what they were looking for in DeMarcus Walker.

If people look back at the best defenses the Bears have had over the past decades, there is always at least one guy that is the vocal presence of the team—that guy who isn't afraid to get in the faces of teammates when they're dogging it. Mike Singletary filled that role in the 1980s. Mike Brown was next in line in the 2000s. A few years ago, it was Akiem Hicks taking up the mantle. Walker may not be those guys in terms of talent, but he makes up for it with his unbridled passion for the game.

One 13-second video proved that much.

DeMarcus Walker will hold guys accountable.

He is a six-year veteran in the league, coming off the best season of his career in Tennessee. The guy is battle-tested against the best that the NFL has to offer. Recent accounts say he's been on his teammates from the jump about giving 100% of their energy and attention to practice. Anybody caught going less than full speed will get an earful. This is undoubtedly a big reason the Bears wanted him. It's one thing when coaches hold players accountable. It is another when the players do it to each other.

One must never underestimate the value of leadership. The more a team has, the better their odds are of pulling through in big games. DeMarcus Walker doesn't fear the leadership role. He's fully embraced it. He isn't alone too. Tremaine Edmunds and T.J. Edwards have also assumed such roles. Jaquan Brisker is becoming more vocal. This group is ready to chart the course toward success in 2023. Walker appears to be taking on the role of enforcer. There probably aren't many who will be willing to test him.